Installing the EQ-2M Motor, Operation

Figure 3. The EQ-1M motor properly installed on the EQ-1 mount.

3.Installing the EQ-2M Motor

The EQ-2M Motor Drive System is intended for use with tele- scopes that utilize the Orion EQ-2 equatorial mount.

1.Many of the parts used for the EQ-2M Motor Drive System are preinstalled on your EQ-2 mount. The circular gear on the right end of the R.A. worm gear shaft, the odd-shaped clutch mechanism, the motor mounting shaft, and the knurled setscrew just underneath the R.A. worm gear are

all part of the motor drive system (see Figure 4).

Circular gear

Knurled setscrew

Clutch mechanism

Motor mounting shaft

Figure 4. Orion EQ-2 mount comes with many parts of the EQ-2M Motor Drive System preinstalled.

2.The motor itself fits onto the motor mounting shaft. Loosen the motor’s locking T-bolt and slide the cylinder of the motor housing onto the shaft. Make sure that the small gear on the motor is just underneath the circular gear on the end of the R.A. worm gear shaft (see Figure 5).

3.Rotate the motor until the motor gear and the circular gear mesh. Tighten the locking T-bolt; the end of the T-bolt should seat into the groove in the motor mounting shaft.

4.Connect the spring (Figure 6) on the motor housing to the knurled setscrew underneath the R.A. worm gear on the equatorial mount. Do this by first loosening the setscrew about five turns. Now, stretch the spring and slide its end ring over the knurled head of the set screw and onto the threads. If you are having trouble stretching the spring with

your fingers, try using a pair of pliers around the body of the spring.

Motor gear

Figure 5. Attaching the EQ-2M motor to the EQ-2 mount. Make sure the motor gear is positioned directly underneath the circular gear.

5.Slightly loosen the locking T-bolt and the motor will engage. When the motor is engaged, never, under any circum- stances, should you use the R.A. slow-motion control cable! Disengage the motor to use the R.A. slow-motion cable by rotating the clutch mechanism on the mount clockwise. The clutch mechanism pushes the motor down, and separates the motor gear from the circular gear. Re-engage the motor by rotating the clutch mechanism counter-clockwise; the spring will then pull the motor back up, which causes the motor gear and the circular gear to mesh properly once again. If the spring does not pull the motor up so that the gears mesh, the locking T-bolt is probably too tight.

The motor is now properly installed on the EQ-2 mount, and should appear as in Figure 6.

Spring

Figure 6. The EQ-2M motor properly installed on the EQ-2 mount.

4. Operation

Insert four D-cell batteries into the battery pack. Orient the batteries as indicated on the white plastic battery holder. Connect the end of the battery pack’s power cord to the DC power input on the hand controller. Connect the hand control- ler plug into the input jack (Figure 2) on the motor.

For the motor drive system to work properly, the equatorial mount must be polar-aligned. This involves aligning the R.A. axis of the mount so it is parallel to the Earth’s axis of rotation

EQ-2M, EQ-1M specifications

The Orion EQ-2M and EQ-1M are two remarkable telescope mounts that cater to both amateur and seasoned astronomers seeking a balance of precision, ease of use, and advanced technology. Designed specifically for astrophotography and visual observation, these mounts provide users with a sturdy and reliable platform to explore the night sky.

The Orion EQ-2M is ideally suited for those who are delving into astrophotography. With its robust equatorial design, it allows astronomers to track celestial objects with remarkable accuracy. One standout feature is its GoTo functionality, which relies on a computerized system that can automatically locate thousands of astronomical objects at the touch of a button. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who may not yet be familiar with star mapping.

The EQ-1M, on the other hand, presents a more simplified version of equatorial mounting, targeting casual observers and those new to stargazing. While it lacks the GoTo functionality of the EQ-2M, it still provides a smooth and stable platform for astronomical observation. Its lightweight design makes it exceptionally portable, making it easy to set up and transport for a night under the stars.

Both mounts are engineered with high-quality materials that ensure durability and stability. The EQ-2M comes equipped with a motorized drive system that allows for automatic tracking of celestial objects, significantly enhancing the experience for astrophotographers looking to capture long-exposure images without trails. The EQ-1M, while manually operated, still allows for precise movement, making it suitable for traditional visual astronomy.

User-friendly features are paramount in both models. The mounts incorporate easy-to-read settings for altitude and azimuth adjustments. Additionally, the intuitive control panel on the EQ-2M allows users to navigate through various modes and settings effortlessly.

Together, the Orion EQ-2M and EQ-1M serve as excellent tools for the astronomy community. Their respective features cater to different requirements, whether you seek automated tracking capabilities or a straightforward mount. With these models, both beginner astronomers and seasoned observers can engage in celestial exploration with ease, depth, and excitement. Their versatility and user-centric design reflect Orion’s commitment to quality and innovation in the realm of telescopic observation.